Breakdown
- Pokemon actor Rachael Lillis has been battling cancer for months
- Known for voicing Misty and Team Rocket's Jesse in the original anime series, the actress is a beloved childhood icon
- Fans immediately poured in with support for the actor's GoFundMe
Rachael Lillis, the original voice actor behind Pokémon's Misty, fans have supported in her battle against breast cancer. The voice behind the iconic anime's plucky sidekick, as well as Team Rocket's Jesse and others, Lillis' struggle with the disease shocked fans.
A GoFundMe page established by the actor's sister Laurie saw fans throw donations to support their childhood hero. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has doubled its goal of $20,000, currently sitting at $42,360.
Lillis' breast cancer left the actor in a nursing home in January 2024. As the cancer spread to her spine, the actor remains "barely" able to walk, and the noisy state of the nursing home has made it "difficult" for her to rest.
With the GoFundMe fundraiser, Lillis' family aims to hire a home nurse who can take care of the actor in the comfort of her own home. The nurse will help provide support to the actor by cooking meals and administering medication.
Alongside supporting the Pokémon actor by donating, hundreds of fans have left beautiful messages informing Lillis of how much she means to them.
"You have touched the lives of people all over the world and have been a source of comfort and laughter since early childhood to our now adulthood," one fan wrote. "You are such an amazing, talented, and kind-hearted person, and we will be rooting for you on your road to recovery. Sending you all our love, always."
"So many of us have grown up with your voice which has in turn given us such precious memories," said another. "Together we will give you the comfort you deserve. We love you Rachael and wish you all the best."
Over the past few decades, Lillis' voice reached countless millions. Over 400 episodes of Pokémon, multiple video games, and dozens of anime series, Lillis' voice epitomizes iconic. In fact, the actor's classic VA work remains in use in modern games with Lillis Goldeen and Jigglypuff appearing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Hopefully, Rachael Lillis' fundraiser allows the brilliant voice actor to live comfortably following her tragic battle with cancer.